Move an ET 200iSP Input Address Range Before Adding HART Variables

You can use a valid free input-address range for an ET 200iSP DP module instead of assuming that all module ranges must follow physical slot order. STEP 7 documents editing a DP module's start address and inspecting address gaps. Relocating the affected module before adding HART variables can avoid moving neighboring modules, but its own symbols and program references still need review. Confirm the complete enlarged mapping, CPU limits and change procedure; address selection is not unrestricted and does not establish online-change support.

Separate Physical Slot Order from Logical Addresses

STEP 7 documents changing the start address of a module in a DP slave. The module's remaining channel addresses are derived from that start address; this does not impose a requirement that every module in the station follow the preceding slot's address range.

Consequently, relocating the affected module's input range to a suitable free region is a documented addressing approach. It is not unrestricted address selection: the complete range must fit the CPU and process-image configuration, avoid overlaps and meet the actual module's requirements. Do not change the module's physical slot or PROFIBUS node address merely to move its input-byte range. STEP 7 manual, sections 2.3.8–2.3.9

Determine the Enlarged HART Mapping

Before editing the PCS 7 V8.1 project, identify the exact ET 200iSP analog module, interface and configured HART-variable mode. Record the existing input start/end addresses and all symbols using them.

The opened ET 200iSP October 2019 instructions describe 4 AI I 2WIRE HART and 4 AI I 4WIRE HART modules with up to four IEEE variables, using up to 20 bytes for those variables in four 5-byte blocks. That is a specifically documented mapping, not a universal total module length or proof that the unspecified V8.1 module has that exact configuration.

Obtain the actual enlarged range from the configured module variant and its applicable documentation. Include the analog-channel data and any status information; do not reserve only the variable bytes and assume the rest fits. ET 200iSP manual, section 13.12.3

Procedure for Relocating the Input Range

The following uses the documented STEP 7 address controls, with project-specific selection of the destination.

Preserve a recoverable project backup and the current address/symbol map.
Open the station in HW Config and select View > Address Overview.
Select the relevant CPU and inspect the used input ranges and gaps. Choose a range large enough for the intended complete module mapping and within the applicable CPU limits.
Select the affected module and open Edit > Object Properties.
On the Addresses tab, change its default start address to the reviewed destination.
Inspect the resulting end address and check the entire allocation again after selecting the required HART-variable configuration. Do not accept an overlapping intermediate configuration.
Update the moved module's symbols and program references to the new mapping. For supported analog/digital modules, Edit > Symbols provides the documented hardware-configuration symbol dialog.
Check that the other modules' address ranges and symbols remain unchanged.

This is an offline engineering procedure. Symbol review is still required for the moved module; the benefit is avoiding an unnecessary relocation of every later module, not eliminating all reference work. STEP 7 manual, sections 2.3.9–2.3.10

Review References Beyond the Symbol Table

As a project-specific review, inspect CFC channel connections, absolute references and any external consumers of the relocated addresses. A symbol name retained with an old absolute address is not a correct mapping.

Compare the completed address table with the backup. If the enlarged configuration still changes other modules, determine why before downloading rather than assuming automatic reassignment is harmless. Validate the actual HART channel/variable assignment as well as the byte range.

Verification

Before download, confirm non-overlapping input ranges, correct lengths, intended symbols and unchanged allocations for unaffected modules. Review compilation and consistency results separately from runtime behavior.

During an authorized commissioning test, compare each relocated analog value and HART variable with its intended field-device quantity, units and status. Verify that neighboring modules continue to supply the same logical signals. An accepted start address proves neither correct HART-variable selection nor correct channel interpretation.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

The original question specifies PCS 7 V8.1 but not the exact module order number, firmware or enlarged mapping. The cited ET 200iSP edition is from 2019 and is used only for its explicitly named modules and mapping explanation.

Address relocation affects how the program reads inputs. Preserve a rollback configuration and plan a coordinated hardware/program deployment. Establish whether the actual system supports an online change or requires an interruption; no CiR, CPU-RUN or no-restart guarantee is inferred from the ability to edit an address offline.

Engineer FAQ

Must logical input ranges increase with physical slot order?
The documented DP module start-address assignment does not impose that blanket rule; choose a valid, non-overlapping range.

Will moving the module avoid every symbol change?
No. References for the moved module must be checked and updated, even if other modules keep their original addresses.

Technical References

Siemens — Configuring Hardware and Communication Connections with STEP 7 V5.4, A5E00706939-01, sections 2.3.8–2.3.10 — I/O versus node addresses, module start-address editing, address overview and symbol assignment.
Siemens — ET 200iSP Operating Instructions, October 2019, A5E00247483-AH, section 13.12.3 — IEEE-variable allocation for the named HART modules; not a version-specific online-change approval for the V8.1 installation.

ET 200iSP HART variables

Move an ET 200iSP Input Address Range Before Adding HART Variables